Jackie Robinson

FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT JACKIE ROBINSON - PAGE 5

The Sports Xchange The jersey worn by Duke's Christian Laettner when he made one of the most memorable shots in college basketball history recently sold for $119,500 at a Lelands.com auction. Laettner's No. 32 jersey went up for auction in late December with a posted starting bid of $100,000. The jersey was worn by Laettner during Duke's 104-103 overtime win over Kentucky in the NCAA regional finals on March 28, 1992. The buyer requested anonymity, according to CBS Sports.

It's a common refrain spoken about today's baseball players. They just don't appreciate the history of the game. Well, it's not always true. As Major League Baseball prepares for its league-wide celebration of Jackie Robinson Day this afternoon, it's clear that plenty of today's players revere Robinson for breaking the sport's color barrier 60 years ago today. Take Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. He called commissioner Bud Selig a few weeks ago to ask permission to wear Robinson's No. 42, which was retired for all teams 10 years ago, for this year's celebration.

Freddy is about ready to make his Phillies debut. Freddy Garcia rejoined the Phillies on Wednesday after completing what he hopes was the last step in his rehab from the right biceps tendinitis that has kept him on the 15-day disabled list since the season started. That step took place Tuesday, when he threw a 70-pitch simulated game after rain postponed his rehab start for high Class-A Clearwater. Unless he has a setback, Garcia should be activated to start Sunday against Houston at Citizens Bank Park.

The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) will announce the winners of the Most Valuable Player, Cy Young, Manager of the Year and Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year awards on live TV. The winners will be named exclusively on MLB Network from Monday, Nov. 12, to Thursday, Nov.15, marking the first time the BBWAA Awards announcements will be televised live. Yes, Philadelphia has it's own BBWAA chapter and we take turns voting for the awards. For example, this year I voted for the NL manager of the year.

To the Editor: Feeling the draft of the incomplete baseball season, especially in the month of October when the World Series would normally be in full swing, my husband and I took a recent trip to the "Home of Baseball,"Cooperstown, N.Y., to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and to drink from the well of our national pastime's immortal heroes. I encourage everyone who has a love for the game to do themselves a favor and make this journey back in time, where the only strikes you'll experience are "One, two, three you're out!"

TAKEN FOR A LOOPER The Cardinals' Braden Looper has won two of his first three starts after making 572 consecutive relief appearances. His victory on Sunday gave the Cardinals their first home win since beating the Tigers in Game 5 of the 2006 World Series. NUMBER'S UP C.C. Sabathia pitched eight overpowering innings Sunday and Sizemore hit a leadoff double in the first -- Cleveland's only hit -- as the Indians finished a bizarre, two-city homestand with a 2-1 win over the White Sox. Both Sabathia and Sizemore were honoring Jackie Robinson by wearing No. 42. HUDSON GIVER Braves pitcher Tim Hudson is 102-17 in his career when his team scores at least four runs.

The District 11 Baseball Championships will continue to be at Coca-Cola Park thanks to a joint sponsorship being announced today at a press conference. … The Phillies continue their road trip with the first of three games in Cincinnati at 7:10 p.m. on Jackie Robinson Day. The Phillies (6-6) try to get above the .500 mark for the first time this season. … Eagles GM Howie Roseman talks about the team's needs in the upcoming NFL Draft. … The 117 th running of the Boston Marathon had several locals competing. Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa won the men's division of the Marathon, while Kenya's Rita Jeptoo was the women's winner … The Lehigh Valley IronPigs continue their road trip with a 6:15 p.m. game in Pawtucket.